10 Largest Dog Breeds in the World

In a previous article, you explored a list of the smallest dog breeds in the world, and now you will enjoy this list celebrating the largest dog breeds. With the advances in science and experimentation among breeder, perhaps someday this list will need to be updated to reflect the times. For now, here is your introduction to the ten largest dog breeds for you to consider, if you would like to adopt one giant dog.

#1- Irish Wolfhound

Known as the world’s largest dog breed, the Irish Wolfhound has a kindly disposition and a dignified demeanor. Irish Wolfhounds are certainly not recommended for apartment life due to its huge body size including a height of two feet and eleven inches at the shoulders with an average weight of 150 pounds. Although the hound is quite huge, it is also very gentle, easygoing, and soft in nature. This breed is very friendly with strangers, gentle with pets and other dogs, and kind to children, but can be brave when it is required. People must remember that Irish Wolfhounds are not ponies, and it is not a good idea to allow children to mount them.

#2 – Great Dane

Great Danes, which are commonly referred to as the “Apollo of dogs”, are truly a large sized dog. The Great Dane has a huge body but a playful and sweet demeanor, and is eager to please, making this breed easy to house train. The male Great Danes are 30 to 34 inches tall and weigh 120 to 200 pounds, while females are 28 to 32 inches tall and weigh approximately 100 to 130 pounds. Because of their huge body size, these dogs require a lot of space when they rest and play. Normally, a Great Dane loves children and is quite gentle with them, especially when you have raised them with children from a puppy.

#3 – Anatolian Shepherd

The Anatolian Shepherd is also called the Anatolian Karabash Dog, and is a fiercely loyal guard dog. This is also a large impressive dog breed, weighing 120 to 150 pounds at maturity. From the name, you know that this breed is a great livestock protector or guardian dog as well as a great herder. Because of their huge size, owners usually feel much safer with Anatolian Shepherds. However, this breed is not an ideal choice as a family pet, especially with little children in the home. Also, this breed needs early socialization and training to avoid overprotective, aggressive, and uncontrollable behavoirs, which can be very dangerous in a dog this size.

#4 – Turkish Kangal

The Turkish Kangal is a very famous large dog and the first degree national protection animal in the country of Turkey. The minimum height for a Kangal is around 30-40 inches at the shoulder while this breed’s weight ranges from 160 pounds to 220 pounds or more. The Turkish Kangal is very powerful and can drive off leopards, bears, jackals and wolves to protect his livestock or flock. At the same time, these dogs are also very friendly to people and children, especially to their owners. Kangals can be very gentle and loyal to their masters and appears to understand their owners quite well. These dogs are highly intelligent, learn quickly, and can judge potential threats quite accurately.

#5 – Perro de Presa Canario

The Perro de Presa Canario, usually just referred to as the Presa Canario, is a large and powerful dog that originated in the Canary Islands, and was specifically developed for dog fighting and large game hunting. This breed weighs in at around 36 to 59 kg and stands at 21 to 25 inches in height. As a large dog breed, the Presa Canario can be susceptible to hip dysplasia and other health problems. Like all large dog breeds, the Presas requires early socialization and obedience training. This breed can be very loyal and docile around family members, but will always be vigilant in regards to strangers. In some situations, these dogs might be aggressive toward other dogs and suspicious of strangers.

#6 – Mastiff

The Mastiff is one of the most ancient dog breeds known throughout history, and is definitely one of the largest. This breed has developed and splintered into several different types of mastiffs. The minimum height for a male Mastiff is 30 inches at the shoulder, but for females, it is 27.5 inches. The weight of a Mastiff ranges from 130 pounds to 220 pounds or more. The modern Mastiff’s large and domineering appearance can be quite intimidating, but the breed is actually quite gentle and very loyal. Mastiffs love children but owners should not let them play with very young children or frail senior citizens to keep them from becoming injured, unintentionally.

#7 – Leonberger

The Leonberger, as its name may suggest, is a large robust dog that originated from Germany. This dog breed is a mixture of Newfies, long-haired Saint Bernards, and Great Pyrenees. The male Leonberger stands 28 to 31.5 inches while females stand 25.5 to 29.5 inches tall, and their weights range between 120 and 170 pounds. These dogs have a long, straight and water-resistant double coat, which makes them look very much like a lion. The Leonberger is believed to be the perfect companion for families and children in the modern era, due to its easy training ability and obedient character. The imposing size of this dog breed makes it seem like one of the best guard dogs living today.

#8 – Newfoundland

The Newfoundland dog breed was originally used as a working dog to pull nets for fishermen and to haul wood from the forests of Newfoundland. These dogs are described as loyal, intelligent and lovable as big teddy bears. Males stand about 28 inches tall and weigh approximately 130 to 150 pounds, while females stand 26 inches tall and weigh about 100 to 120 pounds. The Newfoundland has a strong work ethic, requires a generous amount of exercise, and needs mental stimulation. However, if you cannot stand dog slobbering, the Newfoundland is not a good choice for you as this breed drools a significant amount. This cuddly and gentle giant is highly tolerant of children but for toddlers and small child, you should keep them away or supervise every minute they are together.

#9 – St. Bernard

The Saint Bernard was made famous because of its service, helping people find lost and injured travelers in snowfield, and bring them to safety. The Saint Bernard is one of the most popular giant breeds due to its gentle and dignified character. The male Saint Bernard usually stands about 28 to 30 inches at the shoulder and weighs approximately 140 to 180 pounds, while females are 26 to 28 inches tall, weighing 120 to 140 pounds. The St. Bernard has a steady, benevolent temperament and is kind and careful with children. They are an intelligent dog breed, and are always willing to please, but sometimes, they can be stubborn. This dog is of a short-lived breed, usually living only eight to ten years.

#10 – Great Pyrenees

The Great Pyrenees is a very charming dog breed, due to its elegant posture and handsome beauty. This breed has a strong build, a beautiful thick coat, and can exude grace and majesty. The average height of a Great Pyrenees is between 27 to 32 inches for a male and 25 to 29 inches for a female. On average, the Great Pyrenees should weigh between 100 to 160 pounds for a male, and 85 to 115 pounds for a female. This breed is not a good choice for a timid or new and inexperienced dog owner, as these dogs can be difficult to train and often think on their own way. A Pyrenees loves children and is absolutely devoted to them, but should have limited engagement because of their huge size. These dogs should only be walked by an adult or an older teen.

Now that you are familiar with some of the largest dog breeds in the entire world, do you still want to own one of these beautiful animals? Or will you look to other dog breeds to find a forever furry companion?

Usually giant dogs are not a good choice for people who live with a little kid or live in a small apartment. In fact, most well trained largest breed dogs will not attack people without any reasons. Giant dog can be adorable and lovable to their lovers.

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